SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a transformative development for India’s indigenous fighter aircraft programs, the Tejas Mk-II, slated for rollout later in 2025 and production by 2029, will incorporate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities derived from the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This integration, aimed at enhancing pilot efficiency and operational synergy between the Tejas Mk-II and AMCA, marks a significant leap in India’s pursuit of cutting-edge aerospace technology.
According to sources close to idrw.org, the AI system for the Tejas Mk-II will focus on sensor fusion, integrating data from the aircraft’s radar, electronic warfare suite, and other sensors to provide pilots with real-time situational awareness. In air-to-air missions, for instance, the AI will analyze radar data to identify and prioritize high-threat targets, such as enemy aircraft or missiles, and suggest optimal engagement strategies. This decision-support capability will reduce pilot workload, enabling faster and more precise responses in high-stakes combat scenarios.
The AMCA, India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter under development, will feature a more advanced AI suite, including an “Electronic Pilot” that enables autonomous takeoff, landing, and mission execution without human intervention. This capability, designed for high-risk missions or unmanned operations, will not be integrated into the Tejas Mk-II due to its 4.5-generation design constraints. However, the shared AI framework will allow the two aircraft to operate in the same vicinity, creating a networked combat ecosystem where data and tactical inputs are seamlessly exchanged. This synergy will enable the IAF to deploy mixed formations of Tejas Mk-II and AMCA, optimizing operational outcomes in complex scenarios.
The integration of AMCA-derived AI into the Tejas Mk-II aligns with the IAF’s vision of a modern, networked air force capable of countering regional threats from China and Pakistan. The Tejas Mk-II, with its enhanced payload capacity, range, and weapon systems like the Astra Mk-II BVR-AAM, will serve as a versatile workhorse, while the AMCA’s stealth and advanced sensors will provide a strategic edge in contested environments. The AI-driven interoperability between the two platforms will enable coordinated operations, such as the Tejas Mk-II engaging frontline targets while the AMCA conducts deep-penetration strikes or provides electronic warfare support.
The Tejas Mk-II’s rollout, scheduled for later in 2025, will mark the debut of its prototype, with flight trials expected to continue through 2027. Production is slated to begin in 2029, with HAL planning to deliver the first batch to the IAF by 2030. The incorporation of AMCA’s AI capabilities will occur in later production variants, likely post-2030, as the AMCA program itself is targeted for prototype rollout in 2026 and operational deployment by 2035. The phased integration ensures that the Tejas Mk-II remains cost-effective while benefiting from cutting-edge technology developed for the AMCA.
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